I Saved a Turkey...But I'm Cooking a Merry Feast

By Cal Orey, The Writing Gourmet

"Small cheer and great welcome makes a merry feast." --William Shakespeare

I did it. I saved a turkey but...four bird(s) are defrosting in the fridge. I was going to rebel and do the Detox Holiday Diet. But then, the Thanksgiving spirit grabbed me. Blame it on my bird dogs. The sides (plus breakfast bread) are done. The sweet and savory scents lingering in the house are worth it. I went a bit non-conventional, a bit European. The cool thing is, I stayed easy (almost-homemade), natural and healthful (as possible). I did include vinegar, olive oil and chocolate, earthy herbs and spices as well as some low-fat, lower sodium ingredients. The best part, rather than eating too much at one sitting, I can graze on some of the dishes during the day (paired with morning gourmet coffee, herbal teas, bottled water, and fresh fruit juice) and throughout the week...

Non-Turkey Day Feast

Cranberry Nut Bread

Healthy Fruit-Vegetable Salad

Sourdough Garlic Rolls

Cornish Game Hens Stuffed with Wild Rice

Cornbread Herb Dressing

Baby Red Potatoes, Mashed

Pumpkin Coconut Chocolate Chip Pie

It's not odd to downsize birds, from turkey to adorable hens. As a baby boomer, I'm hardly alone. Many of us are orphans or our families are all grown up and perhaps too far away to celebrate this holiday together. So, rather than not eating and savoring awesome autumn foods, we can do it but just on a smaller scale.

Also, I've learned by doing it all the night before is the way to do it. No stress tomorrow. It will be a fun R&R day with homemade food in the comfort of my home with the four-leggers and my sibling. I'd love to swim but the pool will be scattered with too many tourists. So, Thursday will include one long dog walk, two happy Brittanys and one black cat. (I'll be giving them pieces--no bones--of the birds to show them my gratitude for their companionship and unconditional love.)

P.S. Recipes to be dished out throughout the week. But now, I'm whooped! And here I sit watching Food Network. Go figure.

P.P.S. HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU AND YOURS!